J. S. Bach - Kunst der Fuge , BWV 1080; Marta Czech

Recorded on 21.05.2022 in Bielsko - Biała.

[@maurisilliagabriel6020]

One hour and 20 uninterrupted minutes of one of Bach's greatest meditations in his conversation with the Universe. Congratulations Martha Czech, for bringing us this universal conversation with such beauty and precision. God bless you.

[@waterkingdavid]

Wonderfully put! Thank you ❤

[@joverbeke1759]

7:17 7:19 7:21 7:23

[@joverbeke1759]

7:58 8:01 8:02 8:03 8:03

[@henkheijloo6909]

❤ wonderfull

[@user-jf6hw7dm3t]

Diese Souveränität und Stilsicherheit sind mir im Leben noch nicht begegnet (ich höre seit 60 Jahren Klaviermusik).

[@richardangerer7083]

She played this whole piece by memory? Mind blown.

[@dominique-uw8ck]

On ne se lasse pas de vous écouter dans cette oeuvre transcendantale !!!

[@jacobdautriche9023]

Absolutely outstanding tempered interpretation of Bachs' german character. What a perfect match. He would be very pleased by your interpretation. I hear Bach saying: this is exactly how it is supposed to be played!

[@wolfgangzettl3448]

As a pianist and composer I know and love (and often tried to play parts of) this maybe greatest work of music ever since more than 40 years in all its details and have heard many great interpretations of it. But this one is really the greatest of all! M. Czech not only plays this, but becomes it !! This is a miracle and without exaggeration one of the greatest experiences of my musical life !!! I can not thank you enough for this superhuman performance 🌸🌸🌸

[@user-go9vu5ll4k]

I love her

[@paolofrigeriomusic3691]

Martha you really make "dancing" this masterwork. Maybe Glenn is smiling you for your great variety of staccato. Thanks a lot for sharing this jewel. Take care of your gift. Paolo from Italy

[@petermacander5039]

Beautifully and flawlessly performed from memory. Driving rhythmic dynamism. Great phrasing. Each melodic line is so clearly stated. Bach comes alive and musical. BRAVO! Glen Gould eat your heart out!

[@wolfgangroth9171]

Heilige Musik aus einer verlorenen Welt, vorgetragen von einem Engel. Innigsten Dank.

[@hedahedoh4488]

Sehr schoen gesagt - schliesse mich an.

[@janbonsema5888]

so etwas wollte ich gesagt haben......

[@peterwalter7596]

💠✨🙏✨💠

[@Jean-marieMartz-vp1xf]

❤ oui moi aussi j' aurai aimé dire cela ❤ merci

[@emperor6376]

Dokonalé spojení Bacha a Vašich rukou, děkuji a zdravím z Česka.

[@alexspi789]

Fantastic performance, a little in the style of Glenn Gould but with the charm and virtuosity of Martha Czech, bravo !

[@henrysteinway_]

Восхитительно! 0:20 Contrapunctus 1 3:18 Contrapunctus 2 6:07 Contrapunctus 3 8:30 Contrapunctus 4 12:55 Contrapunctus 5 15:49 Contrapunctus 6, a 4, in Stylo Francese 20:38 Contrapunctus 7, a 4, per Augmentationem et Diminutionem 24:15 Contrapunctus 8, a 3 30:15 Contrapunctus 9, a 4, alla Duodecima 32:59 Contrapunctus 10, a 4, alla Decima 37:01 Contrapunctus 11, a 4 43:42 Contrapunctus inversus a 4, forma recta 46:42 Contrapunctus inversus a 4, forma inversa 49:40 Contrapunctus inversus a 3, forma recta 52:02 Contrapunctus inversus a 3, forma inversa 54:31 Canon per Augmentationem in Contrario Motu 58:52 Canon alla Ottava 1:02:57 Canon alla Decima in Contrapunto alla Terza 1:07:31 Canon alla Duodecima in Contrapunto alla Quinta 1:12:04 Fuga a 3 (4) Soggetti

[@MarialuzMLL]

Gracias!

[@knd1940]

Thank you!

[@solracpilino1967]

Gracias!!

[@greatpianomusic9457]

Many thanks 🇨🇦

[@peterwalter7596]

💠✨🙏✨💠

[@edwardwilliamson1863]

This is one of the best piano interpretations of this last of Bach's works. I love hearing it on the piano, harpsichord, and organ. The late German organist, Helmut Walcha interpreted it masterfully on both organ and harpsichord. This is a monumental work, and Maestra Czech absolutely brought this piece, which is very complex and difficult, to life. I am an awe of her talent.

[@cmcase]

I don't think Walcha recorded it on harpsichord.

[@sjaakjansen2220]

Two hands amazingly trans-audibly playing with each other under supervision of a splendid young pianist!!!

[@rfdarsie]

Imagine being able to play all of this from memory! So well done.

[@frenchimp]

Playing this from memory is no feat. You have to work on each fugue so hard that you know it by heart well before you know how to play it well. Playing it is a feat.

[@klausmelem]

Wunderschön zu hören die rhyythmische Brillianz. Bach dienend, uneitel. Kein selbstdarstellerischer Firlefanz. Wunderschön. die Hände aunzusehen. Rein Technisch. Die Klarheit ihrer Darbietung berührt.... Eine großartige Musikerin.

[@jrflanders2398]

The timing is perfect - conveys the emotion in the fugues and doesn't rush to impress. Beautiful performance.

[@nikolainikolaichev]

I am a big fan of Schiff for Bach and have numerous interpretation of these pieces, but this one is of an unprecendented detail and clarity. I am so happy to have discovered Marta on KZbin. This is just pure genius!

[@wr7804]

For me, this is perhaps Bach's greatest piece. So exceptionally well performed Marta.

[@hsbrockman]

Every now and then a new interpretation comes along and I really sit up and listen - and this is one such performance. I am going to enjoy listening to this one again and again, each time learning to appreciate more the unique and moving nuances to this well-known music. Thank you Ms. Czech for the great enjoyment provided.

[@lautenknecht]

Es ist ein Hochgenuß, Sie spielen zu hören! Vielen Dank für Ihre Kunst!

[@catalux3]

Without the score! Amazing!❤❤❤

[@georgesmelki1]

Maria Czech, I kiss both your hands for this unbelievably mature interpretation! You have a great future as an interpreter of the greatest composer of all time!

[@Cantbuyathrill]

The Art of the Fugue always seemed to me to be a masterpiece of continual tension & release, even til the very darkly abrupt ending. I love it!!!!

[@PeterSchellhase]

Glenn would be proud of this.

[@robertbacon4671]

Good morning Marta from Birmingham UK - congratulations on your wonderful performance - I am very moved as I am sure you want your listeners to be

[@fazergazer]

Realize that she has performed this entirely from memory. Astonishing❤

[@robertgift]

Wonderful performance by *Marta Czech* ! On organ I play only Contrapunctæ XI and XIV fromemory because too difficult to read and play. *XI* 37:00 *XIV* 112:04 Best recording I havever heard on organ is blind organist Helmut Walcha.

[@robertgift]

@@GeorgeBletchly Have never been impressed by sight-reading, even though I.mproved the more I did. Besto finger everything out, then perform witho surprises/crashes.

[@mikekeyes6102]

I had to hear this again, and, if anything, it seemed even more impressive. For me this is one of the very best things on youtube - complete integrity throughout. It is so wonderful to have such easy access to great performances like this. Thanks to KZbin.

[@richardwaugaman1505]

Watching the musical magic made by her hands is hypnotic!

[@richardwaples5200]

A new admirer of yours Marta, of your breathtaking ability, intelligence, artistry and grace. You do the greatest composer of all time proud.

[@dominiquebodson6271]

Une vision grandiose digne du Maître Absolu de la pensée musicale. Structure et poésie en amour. Merci Madame.

[@user-jf6hw7dm3t]

Ja, man verneigt sich in Dankbarkeit. Welch ein Geschenk 🎁

[@oldchronemox7929]

Das ganze Werk, das ganze System im Kopf. Was für eine Leistung! Bravo!

[@amitavaganguly4352]

Wonderful....hope to listen the Partitas soon...

[@piercristoforogiulianotti860]

Brava !! wonderful musicality , clear phrases , precision and sensibility ! masterpiece played by a master interpreter

[@Nobilangelo]

Bach said, 'Music is for the glory of God and the re-creation of man.' With this performance by miraculous Marta he would be profoundly content.

[@maor4848]

Wonderful interpretation to such high level music, with so beautiful play, all from menory, using Gould method of short souns. The best music play I have heard last years. Remarkable and enjoyable performance. Thank you Matha Czech

[@capezyo]

Amazing....what a memory...

[@TAGANERO100]

¡Qué interpretación tan elocuente!

[@baronvonkarlsen]

I have no words really except that she captures Bach so well; mathematically and aesthetically. X

[@gilberttan2431]

Omg did you memorise the whole book and play it at one shot? You are my idol

[@landyanderton8263]

Miss Marta, I am swept away by your clarity and precision, over and over. I enjoy watching your hands as much as listening. But I am also thinking about the hours alone and sacrifices you have made, and only you know this, to achieve this success with these pieces. You are a beautiful soul, musician, and woman.

[@user-jf6hw7dm3t]

Ich kann mich dieser Einschätzung nur anschließen. Es geschehen noch Wunder auf dieser Welt.

[@orguefondettesadmin1439]

Merci Marta c'est tout simplement époustouflant, enthousiasmant ! Merci !

[@Kuhrvenal]

I came for Bach but then stayed for your beautiful sense of space.Great musicality Marta.Greetings.

[@dalebatson8655]

Wonderfully talented. Beautiful…😊

[@hermannh.k.hunzinger6280]

i am an old hippie but i have to get out of bed now and call my friends and tell them " listen to this, it is the best ever .." Thankyou so much,, danke Marta, merci de tout mon coeur, gracias por todo...

[@ruialves66]

Dear Miss Martha Czech, I have been listening to KDF since my teens. I am 59 now and haven't experienced such bliss as I felt during your rendition. I am delighted that in such troubled times, the fire is still burning and the light is still shining. Thanks. God bless you.

[@eumaeus71]

I am also 59 and have been listening to KDF since I was 19. You are right - this performance is light in a dark time.

[@ruialves66]

@@eumaeus71 Thanks for your absolute heartful remark.

[@francoisasselin4183]

J'ai également 59ans, et j'ai écouté KDF tout au long des années (enfin, un peu moins ces dernières années). Cette version est de loin la plus belle que j'aie entendue. Je suis tout à fait d'accord avec vous quand vous parlez d'une lumière qui brille encore. La belle musique, la belle poésie, le beau cinéma, quand de telles choses existent encore, cela est rassurant. Dieu vous bénisse également.

[@cuniryu]

Your delicate hand movements shake my heart. It's a lively melody with detailed emotions

[@gabrielebariletti6045]

Sono circa 2 anni che ascolto quasi tutti i giorni la tua esecuzione - Marta - dell'Arte della Fuga e ogni giorno scopro nell'universo policromo della tua interpretazione delle perle risplendenti che danno nuova vita allo Spirito di Bach che trascende in Cielo sfumando dall'ultima nota da lui scritta nel suo ultimo contrappunto....

[@gabrielebariletti6045]

@@user-jf6hw7dm3t Hubert Rieger, sicherlich ist es der christliche Gott, denn Marta Czechs Klavieraufführung von Bachs Kunst der Fuge ist genau ein Gebet an unseren Gott

[@karlsonkab51]

a stunning balance of clarity and beauty -

[@christianpittius6033]

Ich (PITANO) bin vollkommen fasziniert und fühle, wie ich mit Gänsehaut einem Wesen demütig ohne Unterlass lausche ...Der Schöpfer - J.S.Bach - muss diese MARTA wohl auserkoren haben, sich SELBST spielen zu lassen ! BRAVO ! ! ! ! ! Christian Abraham Pittius (C.A.P.)

[@user-jf6hw7dm3t]

Dass einem hin und wieder Wunder begegnen, macht das Leben doch lebenswert.

[@OldPannonian]

I am so moved by the beauty of this colossal work, as well as the crystal clear playing. The little bit of Polish ancestry in me is proud! Currently, I am struggling to sound passable with "Contrapunctus inversus a 3 [forma recta and inversa]", but my 80 year old fingers don't want to obey me. So sad.

[@mightytort4739]

It's in your heart even when fingers refuse to cooperate. I could not imagine life without this beautiful music.

[@OldPannonian]

@@mightytort4739 True. I can thank my dear Mother, who has been dead for a long time, that she introduced me to the love of music.

[@thinkofmusic37]

Marta Czech's interpretation of 'Kunst der Fuge' is simply divine. Her touch, precision, and emotion shine through every note.

[@markhughes7927]

Beautiful clear steady performance.

[@sm1151BACH]

C'est vraiment digne de Bach, votre performance. Merci infiniment!

[@silsmariaemerson8667]

A crystal clear rendition, including many staccatos, never blurred - absolutely amazing! It is like ointment on one´s soul. Thank you so much!

[@TheDescendre]

Beauty sometimes scares.. Thanks for giving her voice..

[@jannagler8383]

I am convinced now that no creaking chair is needed for a perfect performance. Thank you.

[@krishsoma]

Beautifully played with unwavering attention.

[@davidemuccini7696]

bellezza! le auguro di restare per tutta la vita un unico insieme musicale. tutte la sue movenze trasmettono musica in un' unica entità. evviva!

[@bernardplatevoet6937]

Superbe interprétation, grande artiste

[@jarodvmusic]

Wow! Every note is played so clearly. Each line is so carefully expressed with its dynamics and inflection. Each contrapuntal voice has its own "character" while everything seems to flow from measure to measure. I have to say I have never heard The Art of Fuge sound so "nice" as I am used to it on Organ and Harpsichord which give it a different emotional feeling. This is incredibly peaceful. I listened to this yesterday. And now I am back listening again from the start, almost done. It makes me happy that Bach is so respected today. Funny observation, I meet a lot more people in their 20s who know who Bach is compared to adults 40+ who do not.

[@DimitrisFotiadis]

Hoping that my answer is consoling, I'm 60 and Bach = my life! I'm not a musician, I don't play any instrument, but I need to listen to His music almost every day.

[@jarodvmusic]

@@DimitrisFotiadis Yes, hearing that anyone loves listening to Bach is consoling! :)

[@homhomtube]

Danke für diese wunderbar unaufgeregt angelegte, beiden Händen exakt die richtige Gewichtung verleihende Einspielung, erkennbar innerlich beteiligt, durchdacht, für mein Gefühl perfekt im Tempo, Chapeau!

[@freddievaldez6587]

Simply beautiful. Musically, aesthetically, technically, she is graceful and beautiful to hear and see. Wow....

[@lightofawareness108]

Just came back for an Encore! Thank you Marta 🏵💮🌹🌲🌴

[@sd5580]

Quelle mémoire !😁

[@mindvoyager2476]

I don't believe I have ever heard a performance of Die Kunst der Fuge where every moving line of the Fuge is so clearly delineated...after all, the beauty of a Fuge is to submerge oneself into the counterpoint.

[@mariamadalenacarneirosanto1424]

Grande Pianista. Grande intérprete de J.S. Bach. É para ouvir de joelhos. Parabéns.

[@yveshardy990]

J'aime son interprétation, j'entends toutes les voix...du ciel.

[@adamuppsala1931]

Effectivement c pas mal.

[@orvillewrightjr9330]

Maestra Marta Czech's interpretation of Bach's 'Der Kunst der Fugue' is a perfect example of what the late Sviatoslav Richter called, "[T]the terraced dynamics of the late Baroque." Her achievement is at once breathtaking and astounding. I believe that Maestra Czech's rendition of this piece is far-and-away the best one that I've ever watched or listened to, hands down! Bravo!

[@bartbannister394]

I see you check your comments. I was surprised when I came across this video. I thought I was the only one on the planet Earth to play this piece. Alas, I learned only the first three. I can't imagine learning the whole thing! You have the patience and clarity of a Buddhist monk. I consider it to be mankind's greatest artistic achievement. You, probably, feel the same.

[@MrUseur]

What makes it the " mankind's greatest artistic achievement"? Is your statement just based on pure listening to the music? Serious question. I am curious.

[@bartbannister394]

@@MrUseur First of all, music seems to communicate deeper than other art forms. I know there is no way I can prove that, except to say that the frequency relationships between the 12 notes in the octave correspond exactly to the frequency relationships found between electrons in all atoms. Secondly, the theme in the Kunst der Fugue, is a quintissential mathematic musical phrase. Starts on the tonic, goes to the second most important note which describes tonality, the fifth, then the third most important note, the third, back to the tonic and then the leading tone. The 4 most important notes in the scale. But most importantly, it is mostly written in four parts. No pianist will deny that it is the most challenging music ever written. It has 4 different melody lines played simultaneously through most of it by just one person. No composer comes close to duplicating it. Madam Czech is a remarkably dedicated artist. The idea that someone has the nerve to sit down and play the entire work by memory is inconceivable to me. Are you aware that Bach wrote this on his deathbed?

[@gladyspalmieri7292]

@@bartbannister394 Excellent answer, Bart Bannister. Thanks for sharing your clarifying statements!!!Greetings from Argentina.

[@bartbannister394]

@@gladyspalmieri7292 Argentina! My sister in law is from Buenos Aires. Her family name is "Manfredi." Greetings from NYC.

[@OldPannonian]

MrUseur, there is your answer.

[@knuteivindharris6031]

Such a balance, such musical interpretations, it feels as if one is hearing many of these parts for the first time. An immense awareness of structure. A gift and a great surprise!

[@retf054ewte3]

80 minutes such a difficult music, from memory ! she is so tall that I can't even kiss her thank you

[@user-jf6hw7dm3t]

😅 Wunder kann man sich nicht herbeisehnen, sie geschehen einfach.

[@merccadoosis8847]

Hi @ Miss Marta Great performance. Happy 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙚 to you & your many wonderful fans throughout the world. Peace ...

[@beskrajnatraka6889]

my god, it's full of stars

[@urbancueni7938]

this interpretation is surely the best I've ever heard!

[@StandardDrawing]

Fazioli Piano! Wonderful sound🌼🌼

[@riverstun]

Anyone who has made it here... congratulations.. you have reached the pinnacle of music, no matter which version you prefer

[@Cantbuyathrill]

Amen to that!!!!

[@klauswhitedreamer]

Amen, God bless you ! ♥️😽

[@gladyspalmieri7292]

Masterwork of all Eras. Masterful rendition. Congratulations, dear Marta, for your generous gift..!!!Greeting from Argentina.

[@kerryberland2847]

This is a beautiful performance. Thanks for sharing it! I will listen to it many times....

[@josecanale7055]

Atonishing performance. A pleasure for spirit, mind, ears and eyes. Thanks and congratulations from Argentina.

[@josecanale7055]

Too much for me that such a musician answers with a ❤️ Thanks from Argentina

[@piotrnycz-wasilec6628]

Danke für den musikalischen Genuss am Sonntagmorgen. 🙂👍🎹🎶🎶

[@robertmarcus9653]

So happy I found you. Very special. More after I hear more of you. 🥀🌾💐🌱☘️🌻

[@petelees6142]

marta - you are playing the most stunning Bach i have heard - you MUST be proud of it - show your pride - fabulous music

[@28523129]

A fantastic ,masterful piece of style.What peace and love shines from the player and the music. Thank you very much.❤

[@wackerburg]

*Fantastic rendition, Martha!* 👏👏👏

[@kyukousya]

The fact that so many images and music were recorded with only a few fixed-point cameras is a testament not only to the performers, but also to the amazing talent and understanding of the music of the people who produced this submission. This magnificent performance of the fugue, along with the beautiful performer's image on KZbin, has reached an island country far to the east. In the language of this country, "風雅FuuGa" is the perfect music to listen to in the autumn breeze.

[@lokmanmerican6889]

Magnificent beyond words.

[@goldenlionness7317]

just beautiful taking me to the heights and depths...beautifully rendered. Bach is so calming and healing for me. Puts me back in right order.....

[@MicoAquinoComposer]

What an excellent performance, brava!

[@hozkul]

sounds distinctive and beautiful 🙏👏👏

[@kalunia29]

Sehr schön

[@germanarroyo1670]

I love the freshness and purity from every note played. Its like a river flowing down the mountain. I've heard many interpretations of this Bach work and this is one of the most powefull and flawless. It needs too much study and pacience to get this. Congratulations!

[@JoahnNorghe]

Stupendo Bach, Stupenda Martha Czech. Enchantement Sonore. Deeply Love for Bach & Martha Czech, Glen Gould, Hélène Grimaud and Co

[@provideme1000]

She takes the music in her hands and gives it to you.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

Colossal Her wonderful performance must slake the slake the thirst of the soul of busy modern people, and evoke comfortable feelings and a peace of mind and embody great pleasure and deep impression and prodigious admiration

[@pierre-mariedupuy9743]

Magnifique interprétation, inspirée, aérienne, solide et articulée à la fois, sans fioritures inutiles et sans jamais perdre de vue l'unité mélodique et spirituelle de l'oeuvre. Du grand art... de la fugue! Une interprète au service de l'oeuvre et pas l'inverse.

[@steuermann6825]

Piękno kryje się w prostocie. Pani wykonania można słuchać w nieskończoność.

[@MarioOtt]

Bach's homecoming ! Beautiful ! Thank you !

[@LebedevIV]

It's not every day that you come across such a professional performance 🌹

[@classicalconcerto6742]

The unfinished Swan Song of my eternally beloved, Johann Sebastian Bach!!! Breathtakingly Beautiful!!! You made this master piece look so easy to play, Marta!!!

[@uliwidmaier5192]

Marvelous Bach playing. Clear, intelligent, thoughtful, and remarkably mature. I am amazed that someone so young would devote themselves with such obvious love to this most austere of masterworks. Marta Czech is a breath of fresh air in a classical music world dominated, with few exceptions, by either sentimentality or empty virtuosic display.